When local governments send out warnings about natural disasters, many people stay put even when told to evacuate. As John Ewing explains, psychologists call the phenomenon the "normalcy bias." It refers to people's tendency to think everything will turn out OK even when they're clearly in danger.

Ewing says people can break out of their normalcy bias cycle by locating multiple exits when they're out in public, such as at the movies or in a restaurant. Mentally preparing for a dangerous situation will train you to be vigilant.